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The stereotype of innocent, down and out foreclosure "victim" has been tarnished by a couple recent Wall Street Journal stories. First, there was the piece on people trashing their houses before turning them over to the banks: holes in the walls, paint on the carpet, etc.

Now a story (subscription required) that is so appalling I'm kind of at a loss for commentary:

In the country-club area of Anthem, Ariz., Barbara Ward-Windgassen's rescue group has saved a Bichon Frisé, Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu -- some with their leashes still on -- after their owners abandoned them in their foreclosed homes ... It is a sign of tough economic times that have prompted several organizations to form hot lines for pet foster homes and to implore pet owners to seek help for their animals before they move.

People have to be implored to find shelter for their pets? If you need to be begged not to abandon your dog in an empty home, you shouldn't have a pet in the first place. Or a child. Or a spouse.

It's also interesting to me that the breeds that the Anthem, Arizona dog rescuer mentioned were cute little dogs. Of course, I understand that many people have these dogs and genuinely love them but, for some, these dogs that can be carried around in Louis Vuitton luggage are just status symbols.

Having lost the homes they can no longer afford, these posers were all too willing to leave their other status symbols behind too: the pets. They deserve neither a government bail-out nor a karmic bail-out.